Company Registration Number 03715349
Registered Charity Number 1076764
NORTHERN BROADSIDES THEATRE COMPANY
(A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
REPORT AND ACCOUNTS For the year ending 31 March 2025
NORTHERN BROADSIDES THEATRE COMPANY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2025
Chair’s Report
2024-25 was a special year for Northern Broadsides as we celebrated CultureDale – Calderdale’s Year of Culture, marking the 50[th] anniversary of the borough in which we make our home. It has been a year of outstanding achievement, with the delivery of Iron People and establishment of Park Youth Theatre embedding the company in the local community. Iron People was a mammoth project with 106 events across Calderdale, working with 68 freelancers and 91 community performers. Our Park Youth Theatre was fully established and provides weekly sessions for a committed group of over 40 young people aged 8-14 from the South Asian community. It has been wonderful to welcome so many new members of the Broadsides family.
As we continue developing our creative engagement, partnership and production models we aim to commission more new writing, sharing powerful stories made by and for the diverse communities of the North. This year we created a competition for writers - Winter Tales – alongside two ongoing programmes: The Writers Refuge, which offers a regular touchpoint and residencies for 16 refugee writers, and Life in a Northern Town which brought over 30 young people together with professional playwrights for masterclasses and a residential.
We were delighted to be funded by the National Theatre’s Generate programme for the research and development of a future tour of a Shakespeare play with an inspiring week hosted at the National Theatre Studio.
This has all been made possible thanks to the support of Arts Council England as our primary funder and with additional support from Calderdale Borough Council, CultureDale, West Yorkshire Mayor’s Safer Communities Fund, Calderdale Community Foundation, the Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation, UKSPF and the National Lottery Community Fund. We continue to seek additional support as we hope to build on the wonderful programme of work delivered in 2024-25 as a foundation for the future.
We continue to benefit from the exceptional leadership of Joint CEOs Ruth Cooke and Laurie Sansom. The company’s outputs are especially impressive when set in the context of a core staff team of only five people, most of whom are part-time. I would like to record my thanks to Laurie and Ruth, along with Kassie Jones, Sarah Oliver-Webb and Jess Rooney for their incredible hard work and commitment in delivering an enormous programme of activity. Thanks also go to the team of freelancers and volunteers without whom the work would not have been possible, with special thanks to Steph O’Connell, Ali Khan and Kash Arshad.
We adopted new Articles of Association to provide greater clarity in our operations and amend our approach to Trustee appointments to improve our succession planning. We were sad to say goodbye to Trustees Leo Wan and Nelli Yli-Malmi and would like to thank them for their contributions, especially in respect of our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion sub-committee. We have subsequently welcomed two new Trustees – Lydia Murray and Andrew Rawlinson - and look forward to the valuable perspectives and experience they will bring to the board.
We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support of our loyal audiences, donors, partners and friends. This is enabling us to realise an ambition vision for our work in Calderdale and on the road, touring high quality drama showcasing northern talent. Thank you for making it possible.
Deborah Baker (Known as Debbie Richards)
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NORTHERN BROADSIDES THEATRE COMPANY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2025
The Trustees, who are also Directors for the purposes of company law, present their Annual Report together with the financial statements of Northern Broadsides Theatre Company for the year 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.
The Annual Report serves the purposes of both a Trustees' Report and a Directors' Report under company law. The Trustees confirm that the Annual Report and financial statements of the charitable company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charitable company's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019).
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Registered Charity Name Northern Broadsides Theatre Company Charity Registration Number 1076764 Company Registration Number 03715349 Registered Office Dean Clough, Halifax, United Kingdom, HX3 5AX
Trustees
For the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, the Board of Trustees is the Board of Directors of the charitable company and is referred to as the Trustees throughout this report.
The Trustees of Northern Broadsides Theatre Company during the period and to the date of signing this report are as follows:
Deborah Jane Baker (Chair) Patsy Louise Gilbert Lucinda Anne Harvey Alicia Marie McKenzie Safoora Masood Mirza Kate Mroczkowski Lydia Christine Murray Appointed 19 May 2025 Daniel James O'Gorman Andrew Pyke Andrew Rawlinson Appointed 19 May 2025 Jesse Scott Leo Marcus Wan Resigned 10 March 2025 Nelli Yli-Malmi Resigned 10 March 2025 Ruth Cooke
Company Secretary
Independent Examiner
Pete O’Hara FCA, Chartered Accountant, 26 La Sagesse, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 3AF
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NORTHERN BROADSIDES THEATRE COMPANY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2025
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing Documents
Northern Broadsides Theatre Company is a charitable company limited by guarantee, set up by a Memorandum of Association and incorporated on 12 February 1999 and registered as a charity on 27 July 1999.
The Directors of the company are also Trustees of the charity.
Eligibility for membership of the charity, and membership of the Board of Trustees, is governed by the Articles of Association. There are no restrictions in the governing document on the operation of the charity other than those imposed by general charity law.
Structure and Governance
Northern Broadsides is governed by an independent, diverse and experienced Board of Trustees.
The charity currently has a board of 11 non-executive Trustees.
The Board of Trustees meets quarterly as a minimum. Detailed written Board reports and an agenda are prepared by Senior Management and circulated in advance of meetings. Each meeting includes a review of financial reporting; the risk register and progress against our Arts Council England investment principles and activity plan.
The Board is supported by four sub-committees: Finance, Risk & Audit; Equality, Diversity & Inclusion; Eco Squad (looking at environmental responsibility) and the Art Squad (with responsibility for artistic quality and social justice).
Recruitment and Appointment of Board of Trustees
The appointment of Trustees is regulated by the Articles of Association.
New Trustees are appointed following open advertisement. The Chair of Trustees is nominated and appointed by the existing Trustees.
All Trustees give of their time freely and are required to disclose all conflicts of interest and related party transactions. Trustees withdraw from decisions where a conflict of interest arises.
Trustee Induction and Training
New Trustees are inducted by the Chair of the Board and Senior Management and are provided with a range of resources to support their understanding of Northern Broadsides Theatre Company activities.
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NORTHERN BROADSIDES THEATRE COMPANY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT
For the year ended 31 March 2025
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)
Reserves Policy
The Trustees have reviewed the charity's needs for reserves in line with the guidance issued by the Charity Commission.
Following the principles laid out in the charity's detailed reserves policy, the newly recommended target range of reserves is set at £130,000 to £150,000. To determine an appropriate level of reserves, this range was set with reference to estimated costs for a wind-up period (including redundancy pay), variance against budgeted income, and planned investment into new production activity.
The charity’s Unrestricted Reserves at 31 March 2025 are £214,555 (2024: £159,413). Free Reserves, defined as non-designated Unrestricted Reserves minus the value of Tangible Fixed Assets, are £208,832 (2024: £146,047).
The level of reserve is reviewed throughout the year and if the level of reserves held is forecasted to fall more than 20% outside the target range, the Board will consider actions needed to either increase or reduce the level of reserves held.
Grant Making Policy
The charity does not currently engage in grant-making activity.
The Contribution of Volunteers
The charity makes use of volunteers within its productions and to support its activities.
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NORTHERN BROADSIDES THEATRE COMPANY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT
For the year ended 31 March 2025
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Charitable Purpose
The company’s charitable objectives are to promote, maintain, improve and advance education, particularly by encouragement of the Arts, including the Arts of Drama, Ballet, Music, Singing, Literature, Sculpture and Painting with particular reference to presenting new texts and adaptations of classic texts in a manner firmly rooted in the North of England.
The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the company should undertake.
Northern Broadsides creates bold, accessible, and irreverent shows and inspiring creative engagement programmes. We are well-known for producing classic and new plays that resonate with contemporary audiences while celebrating the cultural landscape and diverse voices of the North of England. Northern Broadsides has toured extensively across the UK and internationally, bringing high-quality theatre to audiences everywhere.
Public Benefit
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.
The Trustees understand and have discussed the implications of the provisions of the Charities Act 2006, which state that all charities must demonstrate that they are established for public benefit and have had due regard to the public benefit guidance issued by the Charity Commission. The Trustees believe that the charity meets both of the key principles.
Principle 1 – There must be an identifiable benefit, or benefits
Northern Broadsides delivers high quality theatre performances and community engagement activity in a wide range of settings, including traditional theatres, community spaces, outdoor sites and online. Northern Broadsides is best known for celebrating and creating opportunities for the diverse voices of the North of England.
Principle 2 - Benefit must be to the public, or a section of the public
Each element of our work provides benefit to one or more clearly identified sections of the public.
Productions are toured to audiences across the UK and internationally, and the creative engagement programme reaches a wide cross-section of the local community with limited arts engagement, including young people, refugees and people seeking asylum.
Northern Broadsides Theatre Company’s beneficiaries are entirely appropriate to its aims and the public as a whole benefit from its work. In addition, the Trustees do not consider that any significant detriment or harm flows from Northern Broadsides Theatre Company’s work.
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NORTHERN BROADSIDES THEATRE COMPANY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT
For the year ended 31 March 2025
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES (Continued)
Risk Management
The Trustees are responsible for the management of risks faced by Northern Broadsides. Northern Broadsides maintains a detailed risk register which is reviewed and updated regularly by the staff team and reviewed quarterly by the Finance, Risk & Audit sub-committee and by the board. Risks are identified, analysed and assessed for likelihood and impact after mitigating action.
The main risks have been identified as follows:
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Level of funding and reserves impacting the organisation’s ability to deliver on future plans: reserves are reviewed at least quarterly and building our financial resilience is a key objective
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Wider economic conditions impacting audiences and earned income: mitigation comes from an agile business model and the growth and diversification of our fundraising
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Potential instability in the event of changes in leadership or governance: rolling succession planning and established recruitment processes are in place, with job descriptions and skills audits updated regularly for swift rollout
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year
Iron People
Iron People was a hugely ambitious community arts project inspired by the environmental message behind two books by Ted Hughes, The Iron Woman and The Iron Man. The project was part of the CultureDale programme, Calderdale’s Year of Culture, and involved community groups across the borough engaging in activities that evoke the spirit of where they live and celebrates their connection with the natural environment.
The project evolved into a multi-stranded programme delivering over 100 free creative activity sessions, engaging over 630 participants, 68 creative professionals and 31 local partner organisations. Activities included adult acting and writing sessions, workshops in Todmorden and Sowerby Bridge exploring the valley’s rivers and moors, environmental family days, an audio tour through Cromwell Bottom, the launch of a published anthology from Northern Broadsides’ very own Writer’s Refuge, and an international exchange with Australian climate refugees.
The project also saw the launch of Northern Broadsides’ first youth theatre. The regular sessions bring young people from Halifax’s Park Ward together in a safe space to explore their creativity, develop confidence and learn new skills through team building, self-expression and group working.
The unique strands of the programme worked to bring Calderdale’s diverse communities, talented freelance artists and organisations together in the co-creation of an outdoor spectacular to take place at Eureka! in April 2025.
The project is made possible by funding from Calderdale Borough Council, CultureDale, West Yorkshire Mayor’s Safer Communities Fund, Calderdale Community Foundation, the Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation, UKSPF and the National Lottery Community Fund.
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NORTHERN BROADSIDES THEATRE COMPANY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT
For the year ended 31 March 2025
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (CONTINUED)
Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year (Cont.)
Life in a Northern Town
Delivered in partnership with The Customs House (South Shields), Blackpool Grand Theatre and Barnsley Civic, the Life in a Northern Town programme supports the creativity of young people across the North of England. Through a series of workshops, residencies, peer learning and sharing opportunities, the programme aims to develop and co-produce new work by diverse artists and provide a ladder into the profession for under-represented communities.
The second year of the programme started with a playwrighting residency in Hebden Bridge, followed by a series of online sessions between June – July 2024 delivered by writers Simon Stephens, Chris Thorpe, Carmen Nasr & Sarah Woods. Between October – November 2024, the young people engaged in bespoke 1-2-1 mentoring with the writers.
Group online sessions began again in February 2025 ahead of a residency in Blackpool the following month, where the young people shared and workshopped their writing with professional actors.
The Writer’s Refuge
Our regular free-to-access creative writing workshops for refugees and people seeking asylum continued in Halifax’s Park Ward in collaboration with St Augustine’s Centre, Arvon Foundation and Valley of Sanctuary. In addition to the usual programme at St Augustine’s Centre, sessions aimed specifically at parents were held at the Central Library, supported by childcare provision.
At the end of May 2024, the writers came together for a residential in Grasmere kindly hosted by the Glenthorne Quaker Centre & Guest House. In June, they presented their work in public sharings at the We Are Calderdale celebration and Refugee Week events. October saw the second residency of the year held at IOU’s Hebden Bridge Hostel where our group of talented writers were tutored by poet Clare Shaw and playwright Waleed Akhtar.
This year’s Writer’s Refuge activity also ran alongside our Iron People project. Our Community Producer for Park worked with poet Clare Shaw and Dahlia Publishing to create The Writer’s Refuge anthology, a collection of poetry, letters, diary entries, and reflections that offer a glimpse into the diverse journeys of those who have been displaced.
The book was published and launched at the Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre in March 2025, where the author’s gave live readings and, led by artist Zena Edwards, engaged in a stimulating international exchange with an Australian group of climate refugees.
Winter Tales
Our annual podcast returned at the end of 2024 with an exciting new opportunity. In October, Northern Broadsides and partner organisation Arvon Foundation announced a competition for writers across the North of England to submit a short winter’s tale. We received 67 competition entries and in December announced the winning story – City Winter by Leeds Arts University Creative Writing student Ellen McKeag. Ellen was awarded a cash prize and her story was professionally recorded by actor Neil Grainger before being released as a podcast. Runners up, Denise Eaton and Gill Petrucci received a free Arvon at Home masterclass and had their stories published online.
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NORTHERN BROADSIDES THEATRE COMPANY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT
For the year ended 31 March 2025
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (CONTINUED)
Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year (Cont.)
Shakespeare R&D
Development on a potential title for a future tour in collaboration with Shakespeare North Playhouse continued this year.
In June 2024, Artistic Director & Joint CEO Laurie Sansom spent a week with Movement Director Jen Malarkey and Composer Robert Bentall at Leeds Conservatoire, working alongside students to explore scenes through movement, music and performance.
In the New Year, an open casting process began in London and Manchester for an R&D week which took place in February 2025 at the National Theatre Studio, supported by their Generate Programme. The creative team worked with a company of 8 actors exploring early concepts and neurodivergent themes in the text and central character. The week culminated in an industry sharing sparking considerable interest for the production’s future.
Financial Review
The out-turn for the year is an unrestricted surplus of £55,142 (2024: Surplus £10,610). The surplus will leave a balance on Unrestricted Funds at 31 March 2025 of £214,555.
The Trustees consider the financial performance of the charity to be satisfactory.
Going Concern
The accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis on the assumption that the charity is able to carry on operating as a going concern in the foreseeable future, as assessed and approved by the Trustees.
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NORTHERN BROADSIDES THEATRE COMPANY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES’ REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2025
PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS
Iron People
The grand finale to the Iron People journey took place at Eureka! children’s museum in Halifax on 26 April 2025. Made by and for the people of Calderdale, the performance told a new myth for the borough, as giant creatures emerged from different parts of the valley to challenge our treatment of the planet. Elevated by a powerful specially commissioned soundtrack from Elland Silver Youth Band, the spectacle brought an estimated 1,400 audience members to the museum grounds to mark and celebrate the end of a highly successful community project.
Youth Theatre
A legacy project born out of Iron People, our free youth theatre for young people living in Park Ward continues with weekly term-time sessions at Unique Community Hub. Alongside the established cohort of 8-14 year olds we will launch a group for 15-19 year olds in the autumn. The sessions are made possible with the support of Calderdale Borough Council’s Culture Fund. Additional fundraising is currently being sought to cover additional programme delivery costs including catering, holiday schools, performance opportunities and theatre trips.
Life in a Northern Town
We have secured funding for three years from the Didymus Trust and will recruit a new cohort of writers from Yorkshire, aged 18-25, to take part in a programme of workshops, masterclasses and a residency. Working with partners Blackpool Grand and The Customs House (South Shields), writers in the third year of the programme will receive ongoing dramaturgical support and a programme of masterclasses, ahead of a public sharing of their scripts. Fundraising opportunities are being explored to develop one or more of the scripts into a full length play to tour the partner venues.
The Writer’s Refuge
The recently published anthology was made available as an e-book for Refugee Week in June and we worked with Valley of Sanctuary to spotlight stories throughout the week. We are working with our project collaborators to secure funds for further creative residencies and opportunities to develop and showcase the group’s work throughout the year.
Winter Tales
Following the success of the writing competition at the end of 2024, we plan to launch the opportunity for writers in the North of England again in 2025, in partnership with Arvon Foundation.
Shakespeare R&D
Co-producing discussions for the potential title are underway and further stages of development over the coming years are being agreed. Creation and touring is currently anticipated for 2028.
Future Touring Productions
Early-stage planning is in progress for the development of a new production to open in spring 2026. Responding to the economically challenging climate for touring productions, we are scoping out new models for sustainable creation and touring. The production is anticipated to be an adaptation of a classical text, the title of which will be announced once development begins.
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NORTHERN BROADSIDES THEATRE COMPANY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
TRUSTEES’ REPORT
For the year ended 31 March 2025
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRUSTEES
The Trustees (who are also the Directors of Northern Broadsides Theatre Company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period.
In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Signed on behalf of the Trustees
Deborah Jane Baker (known as Debbie Richards)
Company Registration Number 03715349
1 September 2025
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS ON THE UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS OF NORTHERN BROADSIDES THEATRE COMPANY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
I hereby report to the Trustees of Northern Broadsides Theatre Company (Charity Registration Number 3715349) on my examination of the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 set out on pages 13 to 26.
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
As the charity’s Trustees (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent Examiner’s Statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods or principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102)).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Pete O’Hara, FCA, Chartered Accountant
Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales
26 La Sagesse, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 3AF
1 September 2025
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NORTHERN BROADSIDES THEATRE COMPANY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Note | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Income | |||||
| Income from Investments | 3 | 2,340 | - | 2,340 | 557 |
| Income from Donations & Legacies | 4 | 39,264 | - | 39,264 | 4,313 |
| Income from Charitable Activities | 5 | 274,736 | 208,910 | 483,646 | 489,354 |
| Other Income | 6 | 4,629 | - | 4,629 | 29,982 |
| Total Income | 320,969 | 208,910 | 529,879 | 524,206 | |
| Expenditure | |||||
| Expenditure on Raising Funds | 7 | 6,032 | - | 6,032 | 4,200 |
| Expenditure on Charitable Activities | 8 | 259,795 | 164,109 | 423,904 | 546,582 |
| Total Expenditure | 265,827 | 164,109 | 429,936 | 550,782 | |
| Net Income/(Expenditure) | £55,142 | 44,801 | 99,943 | (26,576) | |
| Balance brought forward at 1 April | 159,413 | 108,569 | 267,982 | 294,558 | |
| Balance carried forward at 31 | 15 | £214,555 | £153,370 | £367,925 | £267,982 |
| March |
The notes on pages 15 to 26 form part of the financial statements.
All of the activities of the company are classed as continuing.
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses in the year and therefore a statement of total recognised gains and losses has not been prepared.
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NORTHERN BROADSIDES THEATRE COMPANY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION/BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| Fixed Assets | |||
| Tangible Fixed Assets | 11 | 77,107 | 118,498 |
| Current Assets | |||
| Debtors | 12 | 66,054 | 14,297 |
| Cash At Bank & In Hand | 266,258 | 165,716 | |
| 332,312 | 180,013 | ||
| Creditors – Amounts Falling Due Within 1 Year | 13 | (41,494) | (30,529) |
| Net Current Assets/(Liabilities) | 290,818 | 149,484 | |
| Total Net Assets | 14 | £367,925 | £267,982 |
| Represented by: | |||
| Unrestricted Designated Funds | 15 | - | 3,437 |
| Unrestricted General Funds | 15 | 214,555 | 155,976 |
| 214,555 | 159,413 | ||
| Restricted Funds | 15 | 153,370 | 108,569 |
| £367,925 | £267,982 |
The notes on pages 15 to 26 form part of the financial statements.
The Trustees are satisfied that for the year ended 31 March 2025 the charity was entitled to exemption under section 477(2) of the Companies Act 2006.
The Trustees also confirm that the Members have not required the charity to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for:
(i) ensuring that the charity keeps adequate accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act, and
(ii) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity as at the end of the financial year and of its profit or loss for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of section 393, and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Act relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charity.
These financial statements were approved and signed by a Member of the Board of Trustees on 1 September 2025.
Deborah Jane Baker (known as Debbie Richards) Trustee Company Registration Number 03715349
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NORTHERN BROADSIDES THEATRE COMPANY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1. Accounting Policies
Basis of Accounting
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable United Kingdom accounting standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 – 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland' ('FRS 102'), and with the Companies Act 2006 and the Statement of Recommended Practice (Charities SORP FRS 102) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" and the Charities Act 2011.
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, modified to include certain financial instruments at fair value.
Advantage has been taken of the provisions in the SORP for Charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a statement of cashflows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity.
Taxation Status
Northern Broadsides Theatre Company is a Charity registered under the 1960 Charities Act and is accorded exemption from liability to taxation on its income under S505 Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988.
Going Concern
There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.
Income
All income is included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the income, any performance related conditions attached have been met or are fully within the control of the charity, the income is considered probable and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:
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Donations and legacy income is received by way of donations, legacies, grants and gifts and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable.
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Grants, where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity, are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant.
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Investment income is included when receivable.
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Income from charitable trading activity is accounted for when earned.
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Other income is accounted for when receivable.
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NORTHERN BROADSIDES THEATRE COMPANY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1. Accounting Policies (Continued)
Operating Leases
The charity classifies the lease of certain types of equipment as operating leases as the title to the equipment remains with the lessor. Rental charges are charged against income on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.
Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation
Depreciation is provided on any fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the assets over their remaining useful lives as follows:
Leasehold Improvements - 10% per annum straight line Production Equipment - 25% reducing balance Fixtures, Fittings & IT Equipment - 33.3% per annum straight line
A full year’s depreciation charge is applied in the year of acquisition and no charge is made in the year of disposal.
Impairment of Fixed Assets
A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.
Financial Instruments
A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs.
Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted.
Debt instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost where there is a material adjustment.
Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the purposes of the charity.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for specific purposes.
Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor.
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NORTHERN BROADSIDES THEATRE COMPANY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1. Accounting Policies (Continued)
Judgements and Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
There are no significant judgements or estimation uncertainty included within the financial statements.
Pensions
Northern Broadsides Theatre Company contributes to a defined contribution pension scheme. Further details can be found in Note 9. For the defined contribution scheme, the amount charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in respect of pension costs is the contributions payable in the year. Differences between contributions payable in the year and contributions actually paid are shown as either accruals or prepayments in the Balance Sheet.
2. Legal Status
The charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. The liability of each member in the event of winding up is limited to £1. The company law members of the charity are the members of its Board of Trustees.
3. Income from Investments
| Interest on Cash Deposits | Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ 2025 £ 2024 £ 2,340 - 2,340 557 |
|---|---|
| £2,340 £- £2,340 £557 |
The 2024 total of £557 related wholly to Unrestricted Funds.
17
NORTHERN BROADSIDES THEATRE COMPANY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
4. Income from Donations & Legacies
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2025 | 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | |||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Donations – Friends |
of | Northern | 36,695 | - | 36,695 | 3,760 |
| Broadsides | ||||||
| Donations - General | 1,741 | - | 1,741 | 235 | ||
| Gift Aid | 828 | - | 828 | 318 | ||
| £39,264 | £- | £39,264 | £4,313 | |||
| The 2024 total of £4,313 related wholly to Unrestricted Funds. | ||||||
| ncome from Charitable Activities | ||||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2025 | 2024 | |||
| Funds | Funds | |||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Grant Income | ||||||
| Arts Council England National | Portfolio | 259,984 | - | 259,984 | 259,984 | |
| Organisation Grant | ||||||
| Borough Council of Calderdale - Iron | - | 40,000 | 40,000 | - | ||
| People | ||||||
| Borough Council of Calderdale - UK | - | 8,500 | 8,500 | - | ||
| Shared Prosperity Fund Grant | – Park & | |||||
| Warley Youth Theatre | ||||||
| Calderdale Cultural Fund | - | 15,000 | 15,000 | 15,000 | ||
| Community Foundation for Calderdale - | - | 39,600 | 39,600 | - | ||
| Climate Action (Better Neighbourhoods) | ||||||
| Calderdale Fund | ||||||
| Didymus Trust - Life In a Northern Town | - | 10,000 | 10,000 | - | ||
| Liz & Terry Bramall Foundation | - | 5,000 | 5,000 | - | ||
| Mayor's Safer Communities Fund | - | 7,900 | 7,900 | - | ||
| National Lottery Community Fund | - | 82,910 | 82,910 | - | ||
| 259,984 | 208,910 | 468,894 | 274,984 | |||
| Earned Income | ||||||
| Box Office & Fee Income | 12,686 | - | 12,686 | 206,159 | ||
| Book & Programme Sales | 98 | - | 98 | 4,824 | ||
| Room Hire | 673 | - | 673 | 3,387 | ||
| Other Income | 1,295 | - | 1,295 | - | ||
| 14,752 | - | 14,752 | 214,370 | |||
| £274,736 | £208,910 | £483,646 | £489,354 |
The 2024 total of £4,313 related wholly to Unrestricted Funds.
5. Income from Charitable Activities
Of the 2024 total of £489,354, £474,354 related to Unrestricted Funds and £15,000 to Restricted Funds.
18
NORTHERN BROADSIDES THEATRE COMPANY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
6. Income – Other
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | |||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Theatre Tax Relief | - | - | - | 29,982 |
| Insurance Claims | 4,629 | - | 4,629 | - |
| £4,629 | £- | £4,629 | £29,982 | |
| The 2024 total of £29,982 related wholly to Unrestricted Funds. |
7. Expenditure on Raising Funds
| Fundraising Consultancy | Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ 2025 £ 2024 £ 6,032 - 6,032 - |
|---|---|
| £6,032 £- £6,032 £- |
19
NORTHERN BROADSIDES THEATRE COMPANY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
8. Expenditure on Charitable Activities
| Production/Project Costs Salaries & On Costs Production/Project Costs Marketing & Publicity Project Travel & Subsistence Transport Costs Support Costs Premises Costs Bad Debts Company Development Depreciation Insurance Other Administration & Running Costs Governance Costs Independent Examiner’s Fees Other Accountancy Costs Legal & Professional Costs Board/Governance Costs |
Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total 2025 £ Total 2024 £ 187,659 - 187,659 155,859 1,917 101,299 103,216 147,726 4,054 15,924 19,978 42,445 8,335 9,681 18,016 64,074 - 20 20 13,310 |
|---|---|
| 201,965 126,924 328,889 423,414 11,819 - 11,819 19,859 - - - 752 2,540 - 2,540 3,174 4,831 37,185 42,016 40,050 12,876 - 12,876 17,282 20,769 - 20,769 3,385 |
|
| 52,835 37,185 90,020 84,502 2,000 - 2,000 2,625 (325) - (325) 14,580 1,269 - 1,269 22,461 2,051 - 2,051 - |
|
| 4,995 - 4,995 38,666 |
|
| £259,795 £164,109 £423,904 £546,582 |
Of the 2024 total of £550,782, £498,596 related to Unrestricted Funds and £52,186 to Restricted Funds.
9. Net Income/(Expenditure)
| Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting): Independent Examiner’s Fees – current year Independent Examiner – Other Services Depreciation of owned Fixed Assets Operating Leases – Land & Buildings |
2025 £ 2024 £ 2,000 2,625 - 14,580 42,016 40,050 2,938 3,792 |
|---|---|
20
NORTHERN BROADSIDES THEATRE COMPANY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
10. Staff Costs & Trustees’ Remuneration
| Gross Salary Costs Employer’s National Insurance Employer’s Pension Contributions |
2025 £ 2024 £ 165,807 138,823 11,605 9,481 10,247 7,555 |
|---|---|
| £187,659 £155,859 |
No employee received remuneration of more than £60,000 during the year (2024 - Nil).
The average number of staff employed during the year, calculated as full-time equivalents, was as follows:
| equivalents, was as follows: | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| No. | No. | |
| Artistic Creation and Administration | 4 | 4 |
Pension benefits are provided through a Group Personal Pension Scheme, which is a defined contribution scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in a separately administered fund. In the year to 31 March 2025 Northern Broadsides Theatre Company made an employer's contribution of 8% of pensionable pay, provided that the employee makes a minimum contribution of 5%.
These amounts are paid over to the scheme on a monthly basis. No contributions were outstanding at 31 March 2025 (2024: £1,208).
No remuneration has been paid to any Trustees/Directors in the year (2024: £Nil).
Reimbursement of Travel and Subsistence expenses of £88 was made to 3 Trustees in respect of their attendance at meetings of the charity was made in the year (2024: £Nil).
21
NORTHERN BROADSIDES THEATRE COMPANY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
11. Tangible Fixed Assets
| Leasehold Improvements Production Equipment Cost £ £ At 1 April 2024 383,091 18,740 Additions - - Disposals - - At 31 March 2025 383,091 18,740 Depreciation At 1 April 2024 271,171 15,049 Charge for year 38,309 923 Disposals - - At 31 March 2025 309,480 15,972 Net Book Value At 31 March 2025 £73,611 £2,768 At 1 April 2024 £111,920 £3,691 12. Debtors Trade Debtors Other Taxes & Social Security Costs - VAT Accrued Income Prepayments 13. Creditors – Amounts Falling Due Within 1 Year Other Taxes & Social Security Costs - VAT Trade Creditors Other Creditors Accruals Deferred Income |
Leasehold Improvements Production Equipment £ £ 383,091 18,740 - - - - |
Office & ICT Equipment Total Fixed Assets £ £ 4,761 406,592 625 625 - - |
|---|---|---|
| 383,091 18,740 271,171 15,049 38,309 923 - - |
5,386 407,217 1,874 288,094 2,784 42,016 - - |
|
| 309,480 15,972 £73,611 £2,768 |
4,658 330,110 £728 £77,107 |
|
| £111,920 £3,691 |
£2,887 £118,498 |
|
| 2025 £ 2024 £ - 31 1,098 - 45,948 2,530 19,008 11,736 |
||
| £66,054 £14,297 2025 £ 2024 £ - 444 31,461 3,233 5,000 10,000 2,528 8,952 2,505 7,900 |
||
| £41,494 £30,529 |
22
NORTHERN BROADSIDES THEATRE COMPANY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
14. Analysis of Net Assets between Funds
| Fixed Assets Debtors Cash at Bank and In Hand Creditors – Amounts Due Within 1 Year |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total 2025 Total 2024 £ £ £ £ 5,723 71,384 77,107 118,498 27,104 38,950 66,054 14,297 200,405 65,853 266,258 165,716 (18,677) (22,817) (41,494) (30,529) |
|---|---|
| £214,555 £153,370 £367,925 £267,982 |
23
NORTHERN BROADSIDES THEATRE COMPANY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| 15. Analysis of Charitable Funds Unrestricted Funds General Funds Designated Funds Life In A Northern Town Total Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Borough Council of Calderdale - CultureDale - Iron People Project Delivery Borough Council of Calderdale - UK Shared Prosperity Fund Grant – Park & Warley Youth Theatre Calderdale Cultural Fund Community Foundation for Calderdale - Climate Action (Better Neighbourhoods) Calderdale Fund Didymus Trust - Life In a Northern Town playwriting project Liz & Terry Bramall Foundation – Iron People Mayor's Safer Communities Fund National Lottery Community Fund Viaduct Improvements Total Restricted Funds Total Funds Name of Designated Fund Life In a Northern Town |
Fund at 1 April 2024 £ Incoming Resources in Year £ Resources Expended in Year £ Fund at 31 March 2025 £ 155,976 320,969 (262,390) 214,555 |
|---|---|
| 155,976 320,969 (262,390) 214,555 3,437 - (3,437) - |
|
| 3,437 - (3,437) - |
|
| 159,413 320,969 (265,827) 214,555 - 40,000 (34,242) 5,758 - 8,500 (8,500) - - 15,000 (15,000) - - 39,600 (39,600) - - 10,000 - 10,000 - 5,000 - 5,000 - 7,900 (7,900) - - 82,910 (21,682) 61,228 108,569 - (37,185) 71,384 |
|
| 108,569 208,910 (164,109) 153,370 |
|
| £267,982 £529,879 £(429,936) £367,925 Description, Nature & Purpose of the Designated Fund Towards the cost of the Life In a Northern Town playwriting project |
24
NORTHERN BROADSIDES THEATRE COMPANY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
15. Analysis of Charitable Funds (Cont.)
| Name of Restricted Fund | Description, Nature & Purpose |
of | the |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted Fund | |||
| Borough Council of Calderdale - |
Towards the cost of delivering the Iron People |
||
| CultureDale - Iron People | project | ||
| Borough Council of Calderdale - UK | Towards the cost of Iron People |
||
| Shared Prosperity Fund Grant – Park & | |||
| Warley Youth Theatre | |||
| Calderdale Cultural Fund | Towards the cost of Iron People | ||
| Community Foundation for Calderdale - | Towards the cost of Iron People |
||
| Climate Action (Better Neighbourhoods) | |||
| Calderdale Fund | |||
| Didymus Trust - Life In a Northern Town | Towards the cost of the Life In a Northern Town |
||
| playwriting project | playwriting project | ||
| Liz & Terry Bramall Foundation – Iron | Towards the cost of Iron People |
||
| People | |||
| Mayor's Safer Communities Fund | Towards the cost of Iron People | ||
| National Lottery Community Fund | Towards the cost of Iron People | ||
| Viaduct Improvement Fund | Donations and a capital grant from Arts | Council | |
| England to improve facilities at the venue. The | |||
| balance represents the Net Book Value of the | |||
| equivalent capital expenditure and | will be | ||
| released over the useful life of the assets. |
25
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
NORTHERN BROADSIDES THEATRE COMPANY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
16. Related Party Transactions
There were no transactions in the year with related parties, such as are required to be disclosed (2024: Nil).
17. Taxation
The company is a registered charity and no provision is considered necessary for taxation as the charity’s income is applied solely for its charitable purposes.
18. Financial Commitments
No material financial commitments have been made in respect of future financial periods.
19. Company Limited by Guarantee
The charity is incorporated under the Companies Act 2006 and is limited by guarantee, each member having undertaken to contribute such amounts not exceeding £1 as may be required in the event of the company being wound up whilst he or she is still a member or within one year thereafter.
There are currently 11 members of the company (2024 - 11 members).
26